When Is the Best Time to Look for Seashells?

By Natalie June Reilly ; Updated April 12, 2017

While beach-combing may be a vacationer's daydream, it is much more than just the touristy thing to do when visiting the ocean. In fact, there is an art to searching for seashells along the seashore, beginning with the time of day. You never know what remarkable treasures are going to wash onto shore, so set your alarm clock and get your plastic bucket ready. It's time to do some serious beach-combing.

First Thing in the Morning

Get up early. You've heard the old saying that the early bird gets the worm. Well, the same is true of the beach-comber. If you really want to discover some spectacular seashells, take an early morning walk along the sea's shore before it fills up with tourists. The shore will be ripe for the picking because the evening tide will have receded, leaving more ocean trinkets in the sand than you have room in your bucket.

After the Storm

Wait out the storm. The best time to find seashells along the shoreline is after a big storm hits. Plan on taking a couple of buckets to collect your discoveries because the rough ocean waters will have stirred up much of the sealife, causing an even broader collection of seashells to sweep up onto shore.

Summer Time

Enjoy the warmth of summer by the sea. While harsher winter weather might stir up the ocean's treasure trove, creating a wider selection of seashells for you to choose from, one of the best times to search for seashells is in the warm summer months when the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors.

Low Tide

Take off your shoes, roll up your pants and step into a low tide. Your chances of finding seashells, and perhaps some starfish and sand dollars, increases when the tide decreases. A low tide is one of your best opportunities to get a good look at what's under the sea, things you might not notice during high tide. As the tide recedes, you are able to amble along lesser traveled territory, offering you a chance for less common seashells and ocean mementos.

References

About the Author

Natalie June Reilly began writing professionally in 2000 for the "Arizona Republic" and most recently with "Phoenix Woman Magazine" and "Chicken Soup for the Soul." She has a background in corporate communications and publishing. Reilly is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Arizona State University.